Linux Ubuntu 10.04 - Codename: Lucid Lynx

The new version of Ubuntu came out last Friday and I must say it is looking good.

I'm going to assume most of you don't use Ubuntu or any other Linux distro so here's why I use Ubuntu.

• It's faster than Windows and prettier than OS X (It's also faster than OS X I believe and definitely prettier than Windows).
• More customisable than the both of them.
• Makes an old Pentium 4 PC seem like the latest in computing technology.
• More stable that Windows (no blue screen of death here!).
• It uses what is known as 'workspaces' or 'viewports' which is like having multiple desktops (I never have to minimise anything!).
• Email, chat, and social networking is integrated into the desktop.
• Applications are downloaded through secure servers called 'repositories' (No risk of catching a virus from downloading executables).
• There are basically no viruses or other malware for Linux.
• Very helpful online community.
• New updates everyday - sometimes even bring new features or performance updates (Makes things exciting!).
• Very easy to use.
• Thousands of applications that can be downloaded for free from the repositories.
• Best of all - it's FREE!!

The only downside is the popular games aren't released for Linux although most games can be played using WINE - a sort of compatibility pack that tricks the game into thinking it's Windows.  But hey, there's no games for Mac either right? This could change soon though, since there's been evidence that Steam is releasing their client for Linux (and Mac).

So yea, put Ubuntu on your list of OS's to consider for your computer. You could always try it if you download the CD from their website - doesn't need to be installed! But it will be noticeably slower than if you do actually install it.

Go to www.ubuntu.com for more info.

Can a Wi-Fi radio be stuffed into an SD card?

Short answer: Yes. And you can buy one today.

This is the Eye-Fi Pro X2 and it allows you to upload photos to your computer or the internet straight from your digital camera - wirelessly. The Eye-Fi Pro X2 supports 802.11b/g/n and can also connect to ad-hoc servers which means you can upload to a laptop or computer without the need for an access point.

With this wireless business, the Eye-Fi Pro X2 can practically have an 'Endless Memory' by deleting files from the card as they are uploaded - but with 8GB of storage, most people will manage fine without it.

This does come a bit pricey, US$149.99 from the website, but it could be worth it since this technology is revolutionary and I believe everyone will wirelessly uploading photos whether with Eye-Fi cards or in the future, built-in Wi-Fi in digital camera's. [Photo: Engadget]

Steam for Mac and Linux?

New evidence from Phoronix has shown that Steam is coming up with a client for Mac and Linux.

It's about time someone cashed in on the gaming industry for OS's other than Windows.
We definitely know Steam is coming for Mac - It's on Steam's website.

New Arrival: iPad

The Apple iPad. The name is a killing word -- more than a product -- it's a statement, an idea, and potentially a prime mover in the world of consumer electronics. Before iPad it was called the Apple Tablet, the Slate, Canvas, and a handful of other guesses -- but what was little more than rumor and speculation for nearly ten years is now very much a reality. Announced on January 27th to a middling response, Apple has been readying itself for what could be the most significant product launch in its history; the making (or breaking) of an entirely new class of computer for the company. The iPad is something in between its monumental iPhone and wildly successful MacBook line -- a usurper to the netbook throne, and possibly a sign of things to come for the entire personal computer market... if Apple delivers on its promises. And those are some big promises; the company has been tossing around words like "magical" and "revolutionary" to describe what many have dismissed as nothing more than a larger version of its iPod touch. But is that all there is to this device? Is the hope that Apple promises for this new computing experience nothing more than marketing fluff and strategic hyperbole? Or is this a different beast altogether -- a true sign that change has come to the world of the PC? So get a ipad and feel the most fantastic technology with your touch!

Jump to Engadget for full review.

[Source: Engadget]